Financial Planning Week aims to improve consumer trust and confidence

The national event is a week-long initiative (20 August-26 August) held by the FPA that aims to encourage, educate and empower Australians to discover the positive difference that sound financial advice can make to their financial wellbeing.

According to FPA CEO, Mark Rantall, Financial Planning Week is an important initiative to increase consumer confidence and trust in the industry.

“Over the past few years the FPA has been a dedicated and instrumental player in helping transform the financial planning industry into a respected and trusted profession,” said Mr Rantall.

“The FoFA reforms were a step in the right direction when it came to improving access of financial advice to Australians, and the FPA is dedicated to turning the financial planning industry into a profession for the benefit of qualified and trusted financial planners, and ultimately for the benefit of consumers as well.

“It’s important for consumers to understand the importance of seeking sound financial advice from a qualified, professional financial planner. Financial Planning Week is an opportunity to show Australians why it’s important to seek financial advice and highlight the importance of a using a highly qualified financial planner such as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®.”

During Financial Planning Week, the FPA will launch a range of tools for members to use when assisting Australians navigate the complexities associated with financial planning, which include:

The new website at fpadifference.com.au, full of useful insights and jargon-free information, including new real-life story video clips to bring financial advice to life

The new ‘Ask an Expert’ online forum for consumers to put their questions to FPA financial planners

New consumer guides explaining financial advice in plain English

“The tools we’re launching during Financial Planning Week are great for members looking to add value with their clients and demystify financial planning for consumers,” said Mr Rantall.

“We’ve had a great response from our members already with over 3,000 of our new consumer brochure on financial planning already on request. In addition we also have several Chapters around the nation hosting FP Week related events for both members and consumers.

“Research shows that people with a dedicated financial planner are more likely to feel financially secure and are more confident in dealing with their greatest financial concerns than those without. Financial Planning Week is the perfect time for our members to reach out and engage with Australians to highlight the benefits of financial advice from a trusted professional.”

CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® and are certification marks owned outside the US by the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd (FPSB). Financial Planning Association of Australia Limited is the marks licensing authority for the CFP marks in Australia, through agreement with the FPSB.